clove

1 of 3

noun (1)

: one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb

clove

2 of 3

past tense of cleave

clove

3 of 3

noun

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree (Syzygium aromaticum synonym Eugenia aromatica) of the myrtle family that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil
also : this tree

Examples of clove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Add spinach and garlic cloves; cook until spinach has darkened and wilted, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 Place corned beef brisket, contents of the spice packet, garlic cloves, broth and water in the Instant Pot. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 15 Mar. 2024 Some home cooks swear by studded cloves, pineapple, or the addition of one carbonated secret ingredient. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2024 Extra virgin olive oil 1 clove of garlic A bunch of fresh basil Cook your pasta separately, bringing a pot of water to a boil and adding your pasta of choice. Mark Holgate, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024 In the container of an electric blender, combine the onions, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom seeds, cloves, peppercorns, bay leaves, red pepper and 3 tablespoons water. Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 1 Mar. 2024 Instructions Step 1 Make the mala spice mix: In a medium wok or skillet set over medium-low heat, toast the chiles, cumin, fennel, cloves, cardamom, and star anise until fragrant, 3–4 minutes. Jing Gao, Saveur, 31 Jan. 2024 The pink formula contains 30% zinc oxide and other ingredients, including aloe, vitamin E, and clove oil, which help relieve pain. Brienne Walsh, Parents, 21 Feb. 2024 Good on you, Kimberlee! Merlot 2021 (Napa Valley) - Bright, medium deep ruby red; aromas of black cherry, black plum, purple orchid and a hint of clove. Tom Hyland, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clove.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English clufu; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave

Noun

alteration of Middle English clowe, from Anglo-French clou (de girofle), literally, nail of clove, from Latin clavus nail

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clove was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near clove

Cite this Entry

“Clove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clove. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

clove

1 of 3 noun
: one of the small bulbs that grows at the base of the scales of a large bulb
a clove of garlic

clove

2 of 3

past of cleave

clove

3 of 3 noun
: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree related to the myrtle that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil
also : this tree
Etymology

Noun

Old English clufu "clove, bulb"

Noun

Middle English clowe "clove bud," from early French clou, shortened form of the phrase clou de girofle, literally, "nail of clove," from Latin clavus "nail"

Medical Definition

clove

noun
1
a
: the pungent fragrant aromatic reddish brown dried flower bud of a tropical evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that yields clove oil
b
: a spice consisting of whole or ground cloves
usually used in plural
2
: the tree that is the source of cloves and is probably native to the Moluccas but is now widely cultivated in the tropics

More from Merriam-Webster on clove

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